South Korea’s defense minister stated on Tuesday that North Korean soldiers are probably engaged in combat in Ukraine alongside Russian forces, with reports indicating some have already died and more are expected to be deployed.
Over the weekend, Ukrainian media reported that a Ukrainian missile strike on Russian-held territory near Donetsk on October 3 resulted in the deaths of six North Korean military officers.
Seoul’s defense minister, Kim Yong-hyun, informed lawmakers on Tuesday that it was“highly likely, considering various circumstances” that the report was accurate.
“We assess that the occurrence of casualties among North Korean officers and soldiers in Ukraine is highly likely, considering various circumstances,” he mentioned.
He added that North Korea is anticipated to deploy additional regular troops to assist Russia’s military campaign.
“The issue of deploying regular troops is highly likely due to the mutual agreements that resemble a military alliance between Russia and North Korea,” Kim said.
Specialists have stated for some time that Russian forces are using North Korean missiles in Ukraine — a claim both Moscow and Pyongyang have dismissed.
South Korea also alleges that Pyongyang has shipped thousands of containers filled with weapons to Russia for deployment in Ukraine.
In recent years, the nuclear-armed North has openly strengthened its military relationship with Moscow.
South Korea also alleges that Pyongyang has shipped thousands of containers filled with weapons to Russia for deployment in Ukraine.
In recent years, the nuclear-armed North has openly strengthened its military relationship with Moscow.
In June, President Vladimir Putin made a rare trip to Pyongyang, where he entered into a mutual defense pact with leader Kim Jong Un.
Experts have cautioned that North Korea’s recent increase in testing and producing artillery and cruise missiles may be aimed at facilitating shipments to Russia.
The UN sanctions prohibit North Korea from conducting any tests related to ballistic technology.
However, in March, Moscow exercised its veto power at the UN Security Council to effectively halt UN oversight of such violations, a move for which Pyongyang has expressed its gratitude to Russia.
During a parliamentary session this week, North Korea is anticipated to annul a significant inter-Korean agreement made in 1991 as part of Kim’s initiative to officially label South Korea, an ally of Washington’s security, as a hostile nation.
AFP
